Chargers' next opponent

It's beginning to look a lot like 2006 for the Steelers, who “defended” their Super Bowl championship that season by starting 1-3, finishing 8-8 and missing the playoffs. Pittsburgh has lost its last two games, at Chicago and at Cincinnati, after leading both games with less than 10 minutes to play. And while the Steelers played without All-Pro safety Troy Polamalu in both games (and will again Sunday), they did have him in their opener and still won arguably by the flip of a coin at the start of overtime.

Pittsburgh's downfall has been the fourth quarter, where it's been outscored 24-0 the past two weeks, although it didn't help that Limas Sweed dropped a TD pass Sunday (which likely will buy him a place on the inactive list this week). The Steelers haven't run the ball well, averaging just 3.3 yards per carry, and Ben Roethlisberger has thrown four interceptions. The defense, which had 29 takeaways last season, has not forced even one the last two weeks, and Pittsburgh has just five sacks this season after getting 51 last year.

— JAY POSNER

THREE PLAYERS TO WATCH

Ben Roethlisberger, QB. Only Tom Brady has a higher winning percentage as a starting quarterback than Big Ben, who is 52-22 (.703), including 2-1 against the Chargers (plus another win in the playoffs). His favorite target has been Hines Ward, who has 35 catches for 436 yards in six games against the Chargers (including playoffs).

Willie Parker, RB. Parker has just 159 yards through three games, and he's suffering from turf toe. But he had no troubles running all over the Chargers last year, with 115 yards in the regular season game and 146 in the playoff victory. He won't have a better chance to get going than vs. San Diego.

James Harrison, LB. Last season's NFL Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl hero finally got his first sack of season Sunday after recording 16 a year ago. He has an interception in both of his regular-season games against the Chargers.

FAMILIAR FACES

INJURY REPORT

Safety Troy Polamalu will miss his third straight game with a knee injury. His replacement, Tyrone Carter, was hobbled last week with a bruised thigh and was replaced often in passing situations by cornerback Deshea Townsend. The Steelers have an issue at fullback — David Johnson has a high ankle sprain and almost certainly won't play this week, and Frank Summers has a back injury. It's possible Pittsburgh will sign a fullback this week.

SERIES HISTORY

It's one of the most remarkable stats in football — the Chargers have never won a regular-season game in 13 tries at Pittsburgh. Most of the games weren't even close until last year's 11-10 Steelers escape. The Steelers also beat the Chargers in the playoffs 35-24 to take a 21-8 series lead. Pittsburgh's only loss to the Chargers in eight games since the 1994 AFC Championship Game was in 2006.